The Ultimate Tegucigalpa Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

The capital of Honduras and its largest city, with a population of over 1.5 million.
It is the political and administrative center of the country.
Tegucigalpa is located in the southern-central highland region of Honduras.
Nicknames: Tegus, Cerro de Plata (“Silver Mountain”).

Currency: Honduran Lempira (HNL)
Spoken languages: Spanish.
Best time to visit: from November to May.
Recommended vaccines for the Honduras: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies (recommended for long-term stays/outdoor activities) and Yellow Fever (required if arriving from endemic zones).
– Malaria prophylaxis is unnecessary in Tegucigalpa but advised for rural areas like La Tigra.
Arriving via airport: Palmerola International Airport (XPL) in Comayagua (70 km away).
– Shuttle service: JODOGO Airport Assist ($38+ for private transfers).
– Pre-book airport transfers via hotel (avg. $25 from Palmerola).
Cash strategy: Use mall ATMs (Multiplaza/MetroMall) during daylight. Carry ≤$50 USD cash for streets.
Honduras Data eSIM (500MB/day for $3.50) at Tegucigalpa kiosks.
Emergency phone number: 911

Some of the best deals on hotels can be found in Centro Contemporáneo (a safe district).
Where not to stay: avoid Colonia 15 de Septiembre and areas west of Río Chiquito. Also, avoid these areas during your stay after dark.
Tip: if you book your hotel room in advance, ask for pick-up service from the airport (avoid walking through the city with luggage). This service is sometimes included in the price – call ahead and check!

Most city attractions are within walking distance of one another.
– Tip: Download Offline Maps: Maps.me (free) highlights safe walking routes missing on Google Maps.
The major transport options are: taxis, collectivos (minibuses), or public city buses.
Taxis – base fare: $3 USD + $3/km (daytime). After 10 PM: 20% surcharge
Collectivos are around half the taxi price.
The public city buses are often crowded (rides are $0.50). There is no central bus station, which makes it difficult to find the right one. Taxis and collectivos are a better option.
InDrive and Uber (ride sharing apps) are safer and more convenient than traditional taxis.
Warning: avoid walking outside at night. Take a taxi back to your hotel.
Tip: Legitimate police stops stops have 5+ officers, green cones, and marked vehicles. Verify via 911 before opening your car windows.

Drinking age is officially 18 (ID’s are sometimes checked at the door).
Tegucigalpa is not very safe at night. If you are looking for a casual night out, look for establishments in the Centro Contempráneo. Be aware that the nightlife is not that active.
If you go decide to go out at night, take official taxis (ask for numbers in your hostel or hotel) and try to find someone else to go with.
Live music: Casa de la Cultura (traditional) and Teatro Manuel Bonilla (eclectic genres)
Rooftop bars: Sky Lounge (craft cocktails) and Honduras Maya Hotel (sunset views).
Great bars to start your night: Casa de Puros and Beer Garden Clarion.
Tip: Night tours like El Picacho Park After Dark ($73 USD) provide guided group safety.

The city is divided into two major areas: Tegucigalpa and Comayagüela.
Visit Centro Historico to check out the government offices, including the National Congress and City Hall, and museums (visit the Museo para la Identidad Nacional). The area also features parks, a cathedral, and churches (Iglesia de la Merced).
Centro Contemporáno is the largest district, with 40 distinct neighborhoods. It is the modern and vibrant downtown of Tegucigalpa where you will find the more upscale hotels and the Boulevard Morazán, Avenida Los Próceres and Avenida La Paz, all of which are busy commercial corridors. The landmarks here are Parque Central and Palacio Legislativo.
Comayagüela is the newer part of the city. Here you will find government offices, the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcion church, big malls. The other parts of Comayagüela are mostly residential neighborhoods.
The National Museum of Anthropology and History offers insights into the rich history of Honduras.
Day trip ideas:
– La Tigra National Park. Guided hikes ($146 USD) with birdwatching.
– Valle de Ángeles (quaint town known for crafts and local dining).
– Nueva Armenia: Full-day coffee farm tours ($175 USD)

The most important area is the old historic center, Centro Historico. This is a small area where you can walk around in the streets and drink something in a café.
If you like shopping, visit the Zona Centro de contemporáno.
Stroll through Mercado Los Dolores, where travelers can find crafts, souvenirs, and handmade goods.
Note: exercise caution when walking around parks or side streets alone.

A traditional breakfast in Honduras consists of eggs and beans. Baleada is one of the most common street foods in Honduras, and tortillas are the “bread” around here.
Great restaurants to try: Malportado, Fanburger, Titos Pizza, EA Bistro y Cafe, and Cubanos Kitchen.
Zona Rosa: go for upscale dining near Boulevard Morazán (try EA Bistro’s $12 USD seafood platter).
Local street food to try: yuca frita, tacos de carne asada, and sopa de caracol.
Where to find good cheap eats: just about anywhere! Try one of the street food stands or go to a local restaurant and enjoy a local meat dishes (e.g. carneada, pinchos americanos).

Dangerous areas: Tegucigalpa is not a safe city. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times – the city has issues with pickpockets and gangs.
Stay on the main roads, and don’t walk in the small alleys.
Never photograph military sites (e.g., Toncontín Airport perimeter) – $300+ fines apply.
(Buying souvenirs). Mercado Los Dolores haggling tip: Start at 40% of quoted price.
Tipping: Round up taxi fares (e.g., $12.40 → $13) but avoid tipping >10% in restaurants.
Never walk with a camera around your neck or in your hand and don’t show your money in public.
Solo female travelers: avoid public transit.
Be careful when withdrawing money from an ATM. Begging children can get aggressive if you don’t give in to their demands.

Recommended trip duration: 1-2 days